Following her aunt's suspicious death, Gina Mori, daughter of a Buddhist minister, searches for a missing handbag and discovers the dark underbelly of paradise. In the course of her investigation, Gina falls for Julius, a stream biologist who has recently moved to Hawaii. After discovering her lover's secret past, Gina must confront her own demons. A local girl stuck in a dead-end job, Gina stalks corrupt officials, exposes shady land deals, until at last, she comes face to face with the man who murdered the woman who raised her. Shave Ice Paradise has all the ingredients of a delicious mystery: an unsolvable murder, a delightful cast of trusted friends, and an evil antagonist, with plenty of twists and turns leading to a satisfying and unexpected conclusion.